In an attempt to clip the wings of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government on Tuesday approved the registration of Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA), a breakaway faction of ASUU.
The government also approved the registration of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) as a trade union.
He said the two unions would operate along with ASUU.
CONUA leadership said it commenced its registration process in 2018 but the government said it was reluctant to approve the registration because it did not want to create a problem.
The union, led by ‘Niyi Sunmonu, a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has constantly dissociated itself from any strike declared by ASUU.
In a letter of invitation to journalists on Tuesday, Olujide Oshundun, the Head, Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment announced that the Minister, Chris Ngige, will be presenting the certificate of registration to the union on Tuesday (today).
The latest move by the minister may not be unconnected with the recent brickbats between him and the President of ASUU, Emmanuel Osodeke.
